TrailfindHERS: Inspiring Confidence at Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls

We were delighted to deliver the Ealing TrailfindHERS Programme at Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls, with support from Arnold Hill & Co Chartered Accountants. Their backing helps us bring this initiative to schools across the borough, giving more young women the opportunity to build confidence and enjoy being active.

TrailfindHERS is a six-week initiative designed to encourage long-term positive engagement in physical activity. Led by Trailfinders Women’s players, the programme combines practical sessions with open discussions around breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and celebrating what girls can achieve in sport.

It is shaped by four core principles: fun, not being judged, feeling comfortable, and choice and mood.

Over the six weeks, we saw a real shift in the girls’ confidence and enthusiasm. As the sessions progressed, they became more open to trying new activities and more comfortable discussing the challenges that can sometimes prevent girls from taking part in sport. Creating that safe, supportive environment was a key part of the programme.

In our final week, we were joined by Zee Alima, whose visit made a powerful impression. Many of the girls are Muslim and wear headscarves, so meeting an athlete who reflects their identities was incredibly meaningful. Zee spoke about how sport can influence many aspects of life, helping the girls recognise the value of what they were learning.

“If you can see it, you can be it.”

We closed the programme with some introductory rugby skills, and the feedback was hugely positive. Several girls expressed interest in trying rugby again, while others shared that they now felt more open to exploring a wider range of sports. Watching their confidence grow week by week was genuinely inspiring.